A Different Kind of Art School

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Classes For All Skill Levels

Art Classes

$50 Off Your First Class

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About the School

Prima Materia Institute is the most innovative and advanced San Diego-based art school, where you can find your true calling. “Prima Materia” means “primary matter” in Latin – the beginning of everything. Our method of teaching differs from any other art school in the world. We teach art as cognitive science, by bringing together multiple disciplines, including art theory, history, psychology, geometry, physics, logic, and philosophy (“Teaching of art is teaching of all things”*). Ages 15 and up. Enroll anytime. Become an artist in one year or less. Read about our teaching method.

Learn to Draw Fast and Easily

The Intro to Art workshop will teach you how to see as an artist, giving you the ability to render any subject in your unique style. The workshop begins with the basics then transitions into teaching you the techniques of the Old Masters, making each step easy to digest for beginners.

You’ll learn everything you need to know to be able to draw anything that you want in one workshop.

Drawing Simplified

Learn how to use shading, composition, negative and positive shapes, tonal value, in one workshop.

Weekly Painting Workshops

MasterClass mini workshops will make you a master of many techniques in no time.

Explore a Variety of Styles

MasterClasses are 3-hour painting workshops that focus on a single influential artist or technique. These energetic workshops will get you painting in new ways and will quickly grow your artistic skills.

Learn More Than Just Painting

Every MasterClass starts with a slideshow presentation that goes over the history of the technique/artist. Each presentation works to give you a better understanding of art history as well as show you relevant example works for you to draw inspiration from.

Ready To Jump Into Painting?

Book your first MasterClass, all materials included

Art Portfolio Program

Become a talented artist with a powerful art portfolio in 12 months or less. No prior art experience needed

Get Into Your Dream School

Create an art portfolio that showcases your unique voice and stand out from hundreds of thousands of other college applicants.

In this 12 month program, you will learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting, gain skills that will last you a lifetime, and create a strong, 20 piece portfolio that is submission ready. Step outside of your comfort zone and experience what it’s like to be a true artist.

Our instructors will work with you one-on-one to discuss your goals and interests. From there, you’ll jump immediately into skill building. As the Portfolio Program goes on, your projects will become more complex and more “you.” With 180 hours of full access to the studio, you’ll be able to start exploring with styles and techniques. Every time you’re in the studio, you’ll be working alongside other like minded artists in a welcoming and encouraging environment.

Learn to Paint in 1 Day

The Prima Materia Workshop is a 6 hour painting workshop that teaches beginners how to paint and approach art in a fun and intuitive way.

Prima Materia Workshop

Learn to see and think like an artist while you create 10 unique paintings ranging from landscapes to still-lifes. Discover how fun painting can be and prime yourself with the necessary tools and know how to jump in to the world of art.

Learn in a Fun and Creative Environment

We know that the learning environment is a key component to effectively learning any skill that’s why the Prima Materia Workshop was specifically designed to foster a creative and welcoming environment. No worries, just painting.

Made for the Absolute Beginner

Even if you have never painted before, you will learn several painting techniques and paint ten different paintings, guided by a skillful instructor.

Learn to Paint Effortlessly

Discover how effortless painting can be as you learn to use your right-brain to focus on your painting.

All Materials Included

The workshop includes all paints, brushes, aprons, and essential materials to make sure your transition into an artist is as smooth as possible.

Time till next workshop

Workshop Sign-up

Sign-up for this months workshop and get up to 50% off when you book with a group. The more people in your group the bigger the savings.